Ohio leaders seek renewal of public works program

Voters could be asked to approve a 10-year renewal of the State Capital Improvement Program,

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By The Associated Press

The Repository

By The Associated Press

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 1:00 PM

By The Associated Press

Posted Jan. 15, 2014 at 1:00 PM

COLUMBUS

Ohio's governor and legislative leaders are urging support for renewing a public works program that funds repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges and other local infrastructure needs.

Groups representing county commissioners, municipalities and others joined Gov. John Kasich to highlight the effort Wednesday.

A resolution before the General Assembly would ask voters to approve a 10-year renewal of the State Capital Improvement Program, which provides grants and loans to local governments. The proposal would increase the bond funding levels to $175 million annually for the first five years and then $200 million each year for the remaining five years.

Supporters want the Legislature to clear the measure by the end of January, so it can appear on May ballots.